Prominent campaigners are charged with damaging crops

The seven defendants who are to appear in the first Irish case of alleged sabotage of a genetically modified crop next week include prominent environmentalists, it has been confirmed.

The group has issued a joint statement confirming they will vigorously defend their stance. They have been using the Internet in an effort to generate global publicity for their case. It goes before New Ross District Court in Co Wexford next Tuesday.

They face charges of forcible entry and occupation of a GM sugar-beet trial site in Arthurstown, Co Wexford, on June 21st, 1998. The specific charge comes under rarely-applied legislation brought in during the early 1970s, largely in response to the occupation of Georgian houses in Dublin. The seven are also charged with causing damage to the crop.

No arrests were made at the time of the incident, which followed a protest meeting in nearby Duncannon, though gardai were present.

The defendants are: Mr Gavin Harte (33), an active campaigner against GM foods and large road projects in environmentally sensitive areas. He co-presented the RTE television travel series Across the Line.

Mr John Seymour (84), a writer and organic farmer, who has a small holding on the banks of the Barrow. He is the author of The Complete Book of Self Sufficiency, a best-seller.

Mr David Philip (34), an authority on sustainability, working with the Low Impact Sustain ability Group which promotes sustainable development. It is currently working with the group Voice to produce a directory of sustainable initiatives in Ireland.

Ms Adrienne Murphy (30), a freelance journalist who writes on environmental issues for Hot Press. She was the organiser of a benefit concert against gene technology in Dublin last year and was closely involved in the Glen of the Downs campaign against deforestation in Co Wicklow.

Mr Caoimhin Woods (33), a freelance broadcaster, who has made features on sustainability for the BBC.

Mr Pauric Cannon (56), a veteran CND campaigner from Donegal, who was prominent in the Carnsore anti-nuclear campaign in Co Wexford during the early 1980s. He works with Dublin Food Co-op.

Mr Richie Roche, a New Ross publican, who has supported sustainable development initiatives in Co Wexford.

Meanwhile, the British government has signalled that restaurants and supermarkets will soon have to identify which of their products contain GM food. The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Nick Brown, has indicated that the measure, which would be more far-reaching than current EU or Irish regulations, is likely to be announced within weeks.

The EU is currently reviewing its labelling rules which, given the extent of consumer concern, are set to see more demanding regulations.

These will impact on food producers and food outlets, including restaurants.

It has also been revealed that the UK Department of Health is supporting efforts to use supermarket loyalty cards to monitor how much GM food is sold in Britain.